Easy money-saving tips

There are many small ways to cut back on your spending. Here are a few examples:

1. The times are hectic. You are running here, there, everywhere. But all this running around really hurts your fuel budget. Organise your daily routines so that you minimise your driving. Not only will it save you money on fuel consumption, it will save your sanity. If you need to do shopping, make a list so that you will not forget and have to make an extra trip later.

2. Turning off the lights in rooms that are not in use will cut down on the electricity bill. Similarly, turn off your TV or electronics equipment, rather than putting them on stand-by. Use energy-efficient light bulbs – these have now become cheap items.

3. Lower your heater. You should not freeze, but you do not need your house to be a sauna in the winter. Most people can tolerate an ambient room temperature that is a little cool and wear a jumper for added warmth.

4. Cut out the unnecessary junk from your shopping list. Only buy what you need and will use without wasting. Cut out extra junk food for snacking. Buy healthy foods that can be used for dinner as well as snacks. Consider quitting smoking – that alone saves money each week.

5. Avoid going into fast food restaurants. Not only is it unhealthy, it is excessive spending. Plan your meals so that you will not resort to McDonald’s.

6. Save water. You can save water in various ways, many of which are common sense and already in practice:

a. Shower instead of bathing. Unless you stand in the shower for hours on end or you use a power shower, you would save on water consumption.

b. Install a water-efficient cistern for your toilet so that you are not flushing away excessive water.

c. If you buy a clothes or dishwasher, choose a water-efficient model and only wash when you have a full load.

d. If washing by hand, fill a sink with soapy water to wash and a sink with clean water to rinse. Do not leave the tap running.

e. Similarly, do not peel and clean vegetables under running water. Either fill the sink up, or peel, then rinse after.

f. Do not leave the tap running when brushing teeth. Use a cup.

g. If you wash your car at home, use a bucket and sponge rather than a hose pipe.

h. Fix any leaking pipes and check your pipes regularly for leakages.

i. Insulate your pipes so that they stay warm and will not crack.

j. Lastly, consider getting a water meter. You may be paying too much if you are charged an unmeasured rate. A water meter allows you to pay based on what you use and not on the rateable value of your home.